We were lions!

Friday 10^th June 2011

To all members Essex D

We were lions!

This is the stuff such as dreams are made of.

When you’re old and shrunken, sitting by the flickering embers of the metaphorical fireside; when your eyesight has gone, your false teeth loose in your mouth and your shawl is about your shoulders to ward off the chill, remember this….

Gaze into the flames and let your mind open to the long ago memories of that night. The night you were forged into lionhearts. Proud of gaze, strong of limb, stout of heart, steady of purpose. You entered the field of contest and did not flinch. You took every assault, just as the great cliff resists the might crash of waves, you stood firm. They fought hard to protect their little patch of turf; their dignity. But you, my mighty warriors, fought harder. You turned their power back upon themselves, made them chase shadows and feasted on their mistakes. You stood by one another, fought for each other’s honour and became a band of heroes. Such men as legends are made of.

The memories of this night will feed you and sustain you in your long decline and inevitable dotage. But when your great grandchildren gather around your chair of a winter’s night and ask for a story, tell them this:

Once we were lions.

My thanks to all who took part and all who made themselves available. I think it was an act of selfless tactical genius to drop myself . After that, the outcome was inevitable.

The next chance to feature in one of my forthcoming encomia is on Wednesday 15^th June away to Earls Colne A. There is unfinished business, gentlemen. I aim to conclude it that night. Please all let me know have your availability as soon as possible. I already know that Philip, Alan and Peter G are out. I’ll pick from the whole remaining squad.

Be ready

And I leave you with this thought:

“Victory is won not in miles but in inches. Win a little now, hold your ground, and later, win a little more.” Louis L’Amour